Paperwork When Buying a Car in New Mexico
To properly transfer ownership after buying a car in New Mexico, you'll need certain documents from the seller.
Use this guide to learn more about the paperwork required by the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to title and register a vehicle following a purchase.
Paperwork for NM Car Buyers
WARNING!
The MVD WILL NOT ACCEPT documents with highlighting on them! Check yours before finishing your purchase.
The paperwork you'll want to gather after you've purchased a vehicle in New Mexico will differ based on whether you bought that vehicle from:
- A New Mexico dealership.
OR - A private seller.
NM Vehicle Registration Paperwork
To title and register your vehicle with the New Mexico MVD, provide the following paperwork:
- The appropriate dealer or private sale paperwork listed above.
- A completed Application for Vehicle Title and Registration (Form MVD10002).
- An Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVD10187).
- This can also be completed on the back of the title OR on the application for registration.
- Insurance documents.
- Lienholder or lease paperwork, if applicable.
- Payment for the titling and registration fees due.
- Fees vary according to the vehicle's weight and model year.
You'll also need to show proper proof of identity and residency along with the vehicle paperwork above. Check out our guide to Car Registration in New Mexico for a full run-down of the process.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT highlight any of your documents—the MVD will reject them.
DMV.ORG TIP: Make sure you know your vehicle's history!
When buying a car—especially from a private seller—it's important to confirm what they tell you about the vehicle.
A vehicle history report provides detailed information about a car's past, including:
- Accidents.
- Damage.
- Estimated mileage.
This information allows you to avoid problem cars, such as flood damaged vehicles or those involved in multiple accidents, which can continue to have problems even if they've been repaired. Strongly consider ordering a vehicle history report before signing on the dotted line.
Registering Out-of-State Vehicles
In addition to the documents above, you may also need the following paperwork when registering a vehicle previously titled in a state other than New Mexico:
- A Request for Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Verification (Form MVD10705).
- Required for all vehicles brought in from out-of-state. VIN inspections can be completed at your local MVD field office.
- DO NOT highlight your documents—the MVD will reject them.
- The current out-of-state registration.
- Your out-of-state license plates.